Cranford seeking county support in fight against sports field at college

Union County College has talked of building athletic fields at the back of its campus in Cranford.Photocourtesy Cranford Townshp website

CRANFORD — Township officials have taken yet another step in their effort to keep Union County College from cutting down about 700 trees on its Cranford campus to build a sports field and running track.

The Township Committee is preparing to formally request that the Union County Freeholders Board pass a resolution “objecting to the construction of a Sports Complex” at the college, saying the project would have a “negative impact on the community as a whole” and on nearby residents.

Despite a recent decision in mid-April by college officials to postpone a plan to build the field, track and bleachers, township officials are still wary that the college may eventually go ahead with the original plan. That's why they're asking for support from county elected officials.

Cranford residents on Colby Lane near the proposed field location have expressed worry that increased flooding, in a town already highly susceptible to flooding, may occur if the sports complex is built. More flooding could mean even lower property values for some homeowners.

Speaking at the May 6 Committee meeting, Deputy Mayor Lisa Adubato said the Freeholders are being asked to take the “same stand” the Cranford Township Committee has already taken when it passed is own resolution about a month ago against the sports complex proposal.

The Township Committee, Adubato said, will also officially request that county officials assist the college in finding another location for an athletic facility for its soccer, lacrosse and track & field teams.

One location previously suggested is at Warinanco Park, which straddles Roselle and Elizabeth, and is about 5 miles from the college campus in Cranford.